This place is a hidden gem - A total local's joint! It's tucked on the water about 1/2 mile from the heart of Avalon. We ordered the Bison Burger and shrimp a la diabla and they were both solid choices. The best part is, they offer free shuttles to/from town to cater to all the visitors stopping thru read more

Buffalo Nickel - Shrimp a la diabla - Pizza Near Me - Avalon, California

Stopped in for a drink and snack, while biking around the island. I usually do not drink mixed drinks, but I'd seen a YouTube video that suggested trying the Buffalo Milk "drink of the island", so I figured I'd give theirs a shot. It was so good- boozy, creamy, with banana and chocolate. What's not to love?! For our snack, we ordered the ceviche. We tried it exclusively as it comes with just fish. It was so good we talked about how we would order it the next time we visit the island! read more

Buffalo Nickel - Buffalo Milk, ceviche, and Bohemia - Pizza Near Me - Avalon, California

I was going to have very little to say about the food on Avalon but this place saved the day! Hidden away from the main part of the city (with a courtesy shuttle when you call ahead). Thankfully, we asked about any Mexican food options (all other local places were closed) and this place did not disappoint. Homemade chips and salsa, excellent Carnitas, rustic and yummy! Thanks for saving the trip for us Buffalo Nickel! read more

Buffalo Nickel - Big Burrito (Carnitas) and Chicken Enchiladas! - Pizza Near Me - Avalon, California

While eating at the bar at Antonios Pizza I asked the bartender what was his favorite breakfast place to go. He recommended Buffalo Nickle...said it was not downtown but that its a local favorite. They only serve breakfast on Saturday and Sunday. We hopped into our golf cart and as we made our way through a very crowded downtown, we noticed HUGE! Lines at several of the breakfast spots that we were considering going to. We made our way past the ferry dock and around the coastline to what looked like an industrial area, I was convinced that we were going the wrong way. After a mile or two we saw the restaurant on the left side (if you pass the gas station you have gone too far) We arrived as they opened at 10am on a Saturday. Seriously we were the only people there. We sat down and ordered the Buffalo Milk cocktail (no judging, we were on vacation) so delicious, made with fresh bananas. I ordered the Ortega Omelette and my husband ordered the steak and eggs. I was shocked when his plate arrived with a huge Ribeye steak....cooked perfectly (M.R.) and seasoned just right . My omelet was also very nicely prepared with not too much cheese, very tasty with the sausage. We decided to go back the next day because the wait at the other restaurants were over an hour. This time I ordered the buffalo burger with fries...loved it , so juicy and flavorful. My husband ordered the chicken floutas and they were huge, came with rice, beans , guacamole and sour cream . Again we ordered the buffalo milk drink. This time there were a lot more people but we still had no wait to be seated. They had about 4 servers and they ALL! Were very pleasant and attentive. Very clean establishment and the restroom was super clean and beautifully designed. We will most likely go back tomorrow before we head back home. We were in town for a wedding and our friends have been going to Catalina their entire life and had never been to this place, definitely not a tourist trap, prices were very fair for the quality and portions read more

If you're looking for good cheaper food , then this is the spot. Catalina loves to charge you an arm and a leg for anything, but the fajitas for 2 was only 30 bucks. Affordable and delicious. The walk there is very nice. Besides that I just wish the waiter was a little more attentive. read more

Great service, great food, pretty location, right on the beach. They will come pick you up and take you to their restaurant. Just call them when you're ready for pick up. read more

I love it here! My fiancé works for IEX so I often spend a lot of time here watching the helicopters land and take off. They pour a stiff delicious drink and the service is great. I love how it feels like an old western bar and their menu has tons of options! I've had their nachos which are decent and a large portion. I love their salads, they're fresh and delicious! I highly recommend their fries, I get them with a side of ranch and Buffalo sauce. So yummy! It's a great place to visit if you're looking for a fun family spot! read more

Old school service and drinks. They pick up from town as well. Ribs were very good. Servings are generous. read more

I've been coming to Catalina for years and I can't believe I didn't discover this place sooner. It's not located on the main strip. It's south of the main strip, past the Catalina Landing and next to the IEX Helicopters. If you don't have a golf cart to get there, fear not. Call them up for a pickup within town. On busy weekends, they shuttle people to and from town. Just stand in the area in front of the Pancake Cottage. Dinner and drinks were amazing! I've tasted the salmon, fish tacos, chicken wings, and steak. Agustin and Pedro are awesome! Fabulous, friendly, and attentive. They have a cozy inside and outside seating area and I went when we were still allowed to dine in. I can't wait to eat here again! read more

Buffalo Nickel - I love their chicken wings! - Pizza Near Me - Avalon, California

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a little hard to reach if you're just walking around but we rented a golf cart nearby (3hr/price of 2 by the dock) and spent our last hour eating here buffalo burger -- this is the only one i tried in avalon but i liked it. i'm an in and out kind of guy and while this isn't that at all, the thing i enjoy about both is having lots of crisp, fresh veggies flautas, carnitas -- big, crispy outside, soft inside, good would definitely eat here again! thank you for the great food! read more

Granted you get a free meal here for your birthday, I don't think I'd come back for that next time. There were too many flies, inside and outside the restaurant. They seemed short staffed too. We didn't get refills or even get asked how our meal was. The food wasn't so bad. Ordered the birthday nachos...they look much better in photos. Also ordered the shrimp and chips which were pretty ordinary. 3 stars for me :( read more

Buffalo Nickel - Carnitas Nachos - Pizza Near Me - Avalon, California

Good was really good and the service was great and friendly. But on google maps it says this is a pizza restaurant and I didn't see pizza on the menu at all, they have sandwiches and salads but also tacos and enchiladas. Would eat here again. read more

Good food, great wait staff, strong drinks, cute setting, hopping crowd, and a fun location that's a little over a mile out of town. We walked there (sunset hour) and back (stars!), but you can get a ride there and back instead. read more

It's a mile away from Avalon around the bend past the golf carts, or they shuttle you over for free! Pretty good! Excellent service, food was a bit more then what I felt you get but otherwise it's worth it to try it out. I got the chicaleues w carne asada! It was delicious pic below! Average prices run from $11-15, good food! read more

The food is FIVE STARS. The best ceviche we've had in 20 years, maybe ever. It's made the way ceviche should be made. And you get a lot of it. Five stars right there. The chile relleno is legit! And they are huge. Five stars again. The prices are half of what the other front street tourist traps cost. Five stars again! The wait staff is great. Very chill. Our waiter remembered our meal from two nights prior... that's impressive. Five stars again! And yes, the food was so good (and the prices fair) that we went back a second night (for the ceviche and relleno). The downsides are: 1) the shuttle is a bit sketchy. Call ahead for the shuttle and wait... and wait. If you have a golf cart, use it. 2) the place ain't much to look at, from any angle. But then again, a lot of places aren't the same due to Covid. So there's that. All in all, best Mexican food in Avalon, bar none. Again the food is five stars. Go there! And then thank me after you ordered the ceviche. read more

Nice casual atmosphere - seating outside, inside, or at the bar - nice secluded spot away from the hustle & bustle of Avalon Food was really good: wife had the nachos from the free birthday menu and I had the Mahi Mahi fish tacos -- both were huge servings of food compared to similar restaurants on the mainland (pictures of each plate are posted her as well) Pricing is below the average cost compared to most restaurants in Avalon, that's a plus It's about a mile west of town along Pebbly Beach Dr. - you can either call the restaurant for their shuttle (minivan) or walk it for a nice ocean-side stroll past Lover's Cove & Pebbly Beach --- NOTE: as of 8/8/2016, Yelp inaccurately shows the location of the restaurant (by boat docks) - see my pic of the correct location (posted on 8/8/16) I highly recommend taking the time to enjoy this quality "dive" style restaurant And FYI: they serve Mexican food, Burgers, Sandwiches and more... read more

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Amazing .... all should try they will pick u up downtown and drive you out the Mexican shrimp cocktail was amazing.... Great price and good wine and drinks ....I don't want to post because I do r want it to become too popular where I can't get in .... definitely a local place. Amazing food and great prices. .... totally worth it !!!! read more

Buffalo Nickel - Pizza Near Me - Avalon, California

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Great place and food was all good I would recommend Buffalo nickel. Family friendly as well. read more

Food is great! Delivery time is terrible. 2.5 hours and food STILL not here. Called them twice to inquire. "It's on its way."

You don't need to go anywhere else on the island. The food, the people, the atmosphere, and the prices are the best anywhere in Avalon. We have been back here every day since we arrived, and when we come back in August this will be our place. You cannot get better food. Whoever is in that kitchen really knows what they're doing, from the fryer to a perfectly grilled ribeye and perfectly cooked shrimp scampi. We have not had a less than perfect experience here yet. They obviously take great pride in what they do, and it shows. Best place on Catalina, no question! read more

They offer a complimentary shuttle service but they may also leaving you waiting and make you miss your boat time and you are left eating snacks for dinner on the way home. Just saying. read more

Great food and the best customer service. The nachos are so yummy and the portion size is good for at least two people

Shuttle never showed up. We called from the boat to find out about the shuttle and the worker said to just call when we get to shore and they will come right over to get us. When we got to shore we called and were told they would be right there they were leaving immediately. 15 minutes later the shuttle wasn't there so we called back and they said they were so sorry and would be there in less then 5 minutes. Another 15 minutes later we walked to a restaurant in town. It's too bad because we really wanted to try this place but if this is how they handle customers we won't be going there ever. read more

Party of 5 and everyone was happy. Seafood ceviche was outstanding only to be outdone by the Mexican shrimp cocktail. Carnitas were awesome too. Great food and great service. read more

Food was ok - better than it had been in the years past. What was not ok was telling us they only had a 7 pm reservation and then not serving our food until 8:30 pm. We literally did not get out of the restaurant until 9:15 and we had two 5 year olds with us. I understand Catalina is busy in the summer, but don't take reservations if you don't have the capacity. The food was not special enough to return to this restaurant. read more

The best little family-owned and run restaurant on Catalina Island. 8 of us had dinner in their beautiful outdoor patio .... Everyone loved their meal and especially loved the BBQ ribs as well as the Chicken Fajitas. The newly remodeled bathrooms were also a surprise and show that they really care about the customers. One shortfall is a total lack of any Vegetarian options on the menu. The Mexican fare is made with traditional lard so chips and beans etc were out. Being a vegetarian I had to settle for a grilled cheese sandwich with fries and slaw but still enjoyed the place for what it is. Would be nice if they added a Beyond burger or similar to the menu. Beautiful walk to the restaurant or they will come to pick you up for free from central Avalon. read more

Buffalo Nickel - Pizza Near Me - Avalon, California

Best Ceviche in Southern California! They will even send a shuttle to pick you up. Some places serve dry Ceviche but not this place. Cool servers and nice atmosphere. read more

Buffalo Nickel - Ceviche (Fish Ceviche no add ons) - Pizza Near Me - Avalon, California

Well I'm back against my better judgement and the food and service remains sub par. We had three separate meals including tacos and big burritos. I was not sure it was beef in the three entrees but it tasted like it came from same can. Where the heck do they come off serving such garbage. To keep us out of future misery we won't come back and hopefully you will heed my advice. read more

The best ceviche on the island!!!! Ride a bike over to the restaurant, you won't regret it. A gem on the end.

My family enjoyed each dish we ordered. The pastrami on rye was really good. My son ordered chicken nuggets from the kids menu and he loved them. And my wife got a buffalo burger and she liked it as well. Our server was really kind and made an enjoyable experience for us. read more

I'm actually super surprised by the low rating for this restaurant. It is THE hidden gem of the island! Great, consistent food - I've loved everything I've had! Added bonus is the pizza delivery!! read more

Buffalo Nickel is nearly a hidden gem, off the beaten path by the heliport. Not fancy, but the classic cantina style and good food are definitely worth the price. The homemade salsa and chips are great, buffalo burger is good. We'll have to come back to try the fried tilapia dish. read more

My Son, his best friend and I ate at The Buffalo Nickel for a late lunch to while our last hour on Catalina Island. What a great trip for 3.5 days. Great way to end your trip if leaving by Island Express Helicopters located outside the restaurant. The food and drinks were amazing. The staff is super friendly with amazing service. I left my backpack under the table. Tony, my hero found it and gave it to IEX and they flew it back to LB. Uber came to pick it up and I'm happy to say it is on its way home. Thank You Tony and IEX Helicopters of Long Beach. The Best people! read more

Great service and fun atmosphere. Check out the Baja tacos on Tuesday and fridays!! Good Italian dinner on Monday nights too. We love this little tucked away gem. Gotta come check it out. read more

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Mexican restaurant near the town's gas station at pebbly beach. Seated in a booth outdoors. Kind of a dark booth. Ordered beef fajitas (meat strips were tender and onions and peppers cooked well with nice flavor) and chips/salsa. Not bad but not over the moon special. Service was okay. Had to get the key from the bar for the bathroom if needed. Four star review. 3 1/2 if I could do that. read more

everything went well before until we paid and asked about the service asking for tips and never gave us a shuttle back to hotel

Amazing place, fresh out of Covid it's exactly what you need. Amazing ambiance and great food/drinks. Ask for Rafael (Raffy) for the best time ever. read more

Great place to visit if you're in Avalon. Cute concept, friendly staff, decent food/ drinks. It's an especially nice place to relax and unwind after a long hike. There's a trail close by. Prices are reasonable and they have good seafood options. Stop by! read more

Definitely gotta try the buffalo burger, it's the bomb. Great customer service and the island is amazing.

They have a free shuttle that will pick you up and drop you back off at Avalon! What a great service. The free wet burrito was HUGE and such a great deal. Usually birthday deals are tiny, but they are very generous here. The green sauce was perfect and we were very satisfied. Check it out on your birthday! read more